AirZeta Selects Vienna Airport as Strategic European Cargo Hub
A New Chapter for Korea’s Emerging Cargo Airline
AirZeta, a recently established Korean cargo airline, has announced a major step in its international growth strategy by selecting Vienna Airport as its primary European hub. The airline, which emerged earlier this year following Air Incheon’s acquisition and rebranding of Asiana Airlines’ cargo business, is positioning itself as a significant new competitor in the global airfreight sector. The decision marks a notable moment for both AirZeta and Vienna Airport, strengthening Europe–Asia logistics corridors amid increasing demand for high-value cargo transport.
Long-Term Partnership Sealed Through Comprehensive Agreements
Vienna Airport and AirZeta have formalized their cooperation through a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on cargo development, alongside a long-term handling agreement that secures operational continuity. These agreements reflect the airline’s commitment to building a sustainable and scalable freight network within Europe.
Airport representatives highlighted that the MoU goes beyond traditional service agreements, emphasizing collaborative planning, cargo infrastructure development, and operational alignment. Together, AirZeta and Vienna Airport aim to enhance handling efficiency, improve transit times, and support specialized cargo segments that require careful management.
Launching Six Weekly Zurich–Incheon Flights
In addition to establishing Vienna as its European operations center, AirZeta will operate six weekly flights connecting Zurich and Incheon International Airport. These flights, serviced by Boeing 747 freighter aircraft, will cater to some of the most demanding industries in global trade.
Target commodities include:
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Automotive components and spare parts
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Battery and energy storage materials
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High-value industrial equipment
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Consumer electronics
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Pharmaceutical products requiring specialized handling
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E-commerce shipments driven by cross-border online retail
The airline’s selection of routes and cargo categories indicates a strategic focus on sectors with resilient demand and strong trade flows between South Korea and Europe.
Vienna Airport Welcomes a High-Potential Partner
Julian Jäger, joint chief executive and chief operating officer of Vienna Airport, expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration. He noted that AirZeta’s decision demonstrates confidence in Vienna’s capabilities as a competitive logistics gateway.
“With AirZeta, we are not only welcoming a new airline to Vienna but gaining a strategic partner in the cargo sector—one that has made a clear commitment to our location,” Jäger said. “AirZeta’s decision to choose Vienna as its European hub sends a strong signal about the quality and potential of our airport. This strengthens the economic, logistical, and strategic connection between Europe and Korea.”
Vienna Airport has long sought to expand its role in international cargo, and the arrival of a major Korean carrier provides momentum for its broader expansion plans. Enhanced intercontinental connectivity, increased tonnage, and closer cooperation with Asian logistics networks are expected outcomes of the partnership.
AirZeta’s Rationale: Infrastructure, Quality, and Location
From AirZeta’s perspective, the choice of Vienna was deliberate and rooted in operational advantages. Chief executive Kwan Sik Kim described the Austrian capital as the “ideal launchpad” for the carrier’s European operations.
He highlighted three factors:
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Modern and efficient cargo infrastructure, supporting fast turnaround times.
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High handling quality, essential for sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.
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Strategic central European location, enabling rapid connections to major continental markets.
These attributes make Vienna an attractive choice for Asian carriers looking to expand their presence within the EU and Central European regions.
A Carrier Building From Strong Foundations
AirZeta is a new name in the air cargo industry, but it inherits extensive expertise and operational experience from the merger of Air Incheon and Asiana Airlines’ cargo division. Asiana Cargo had maintained a presence at Vienna Airport for years, meaning AirZeta’s entry reinforces an established relationship while marking a fresh start under a new brand.
According to Planespotters, AirZeta currently operates a diverse fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft, including:
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10 Boeing 747Fs
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1 Boeing 767F
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4 Boeing 737Fs
This fleet mix allows the airline to serve long-haul intercontinental routes while also operating feeder services to secondary destinations within the region.
Strengthening the Europe–Korea Cargo Corridor
Vienna Airport emphasized that AirZeta’s launch represents more than the debut of a new airline—it signifies a meaningful upgrade to the airport’s role in international logistics. The airport expects increased cargo volumes, enhanced Asia–Europe connectivity, and deeper cooperation on operational standards.
As global supply chains evolve, partnerships like this one are becoming increasingly valuable. For Austria, the agreement elevates Vienna’s standing as a central European logistics hub. For Korea, AirZeta’s European expansion provides greater reliability, capacity, and market access for exporters and importers alike.
Looking Ahead
With its hub established, its fleet expanding, and its European footprint growing, AirZeta appears poised for accelerated development in 2026 and beyond. The airline’s strategy is built on reinvigorating the strengths of the Asiana Cargo legacy while integrating Air Incheon’s operational agility. Vienna Airport stands to benefit significantly from the collaboration, positioning itself as a gateway connecting European industries with Korea’s advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
As the partnership matures, the industry will be watching how AirZeta leverages Vienna’s capabilities to deliver on its ambitions and how this move reshapes airfreight connections across the continent.
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